Inflammatory Markers in Participants with Anaemia of Chronic Diseases: A Study Conducted in South West Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Anaemia of chronic diseases (ACD) is a frequent complication in individuals with chronic diseases, often associated with inflammatory markers such as hepcidin. This study aimed to evaluate the inflammatory markers and haematological parameters in individuals with ACD across various chronic diseases in Southwest Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2023 at Babcock University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), Ilishan, and General Hospital, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria. A total of 87 participants with confirmed chronic diseases were recruited using a sample size derived from the Cochran formula. Blood samples were collected and assayed for hepcidin using ELISA and complete blood counts (CBC) were conducted. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 18, employing descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation. Significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results: Among 87 participants, the prevalence of anaemia varied across diseases, with 54.5% of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients being moderately anaemic, and 75% of diabetic patients presenting mild anaemia. Comparisons of red blood cell indices showed significant differences in RBC count (P = 0.000) and haemoglobin levels (P = 0.000) between anaemic participants and non-anaemic controls. Leucocyte indices showed no significant variation across the study groups.

Conclusion: The findings indicate a significant prevalence of anaemia among individuals with chronic diseases, particularly CKD and diabetes mellitus. The presence of anaemia correlates with alterations in red blood cell indices, and mild variations in leucocyte indices suggest inflammatory activity. The use of hepcidin as an inflammatory marker in ACD requires further investigation.